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“ Fatima, you will go. Get the food ready,” said Haleema as she quickly gathered<br />
necessities for the journey.<br />
“Abdullah, get the donkey” ordered Merza.<br />
Haleema helped Jameela and Ahmed by grabbing what she could. Merza and<br />
Kaka Ghullam discussed the safest route to take. Bibi Jan gathered the photographs from<br />
the walls and placed them in a row on the floor. She sat down and quietly wept. Everyone<br />
was too busy to notice her weeping. Abdullah and Haleema loaded the donkey, placing<br />
Ahmed on top. Today he has too tired and frightened to enjoy the ride. He curled up and<br />
fell asleep just as the sun rose above the eastern hills.<br />
In minutes everyone was gathered at the door. Fatima stood rigidly unable to<br />
cross the threshold. Jameela knew she must help her aunt leave with the family.<br />
“Auntie Fatima,” pleaded Jameela, holding her hands, “ you must come with us.<br />
Who will teach me reading and writing? You said I was doing so well. Who will sing<br />
songs with me and help me with my garden? Oh! My garden! How can I leave my<br />
garden?” Jameela’s crying started anew.<br />
Fatima hugged the little girl. “It seems that we all must leave behind things that<br />
we care for and love. At least, I can take my memories with me. I promise to find you<br />
some new seeds in the city so that when we return we can grow a wonderful new<br />
garden,” Jameela and Fatima hugged each other through their tears.<br />
“We have no time for this!” shouted Merza. “We need to travel far from here<br />
before nightfall. We may not be able to take the main roads. We may have to travel crosscountry.<br />
I will not be able to keep up very well on these crutches- so let’s get moving!”<br />
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